2.9k views
4 votes
How do the differences in the polyatomic ions po3 3- and po4 3- help you determine whether each ends in -ite or -ate?

2 Answers

5 votes

Answer:as

Explanation:we

User Josinalvo
by
8.2k points
3 votes

There is a rule in naming polyatomic anions containing oxygen. Those names ending in –ate are given to the most common oxyanion of an element. While those names ending in –ite are for those that contains fewer O atom for the same charge. Since P
PO_(3) ^(3-) has fewer O atoms, its name ends in –ite. Thus, P
PO_(3) ^(3-) is phosphite while P
PO_(4) ^(3-) is phosphate.

User Erik Funkenbusch
by
8.2k points